Holiday Lights You Don't Want To Miss

When the kids are a bit older, I have the best idea pinned on Pinterest. Here's what will happen: I'll take the boys upstairs to get ready for bed while my ROCpoppa will be downstairs making bags of popcorn and travel mugs of hot chocolate, and warming up the car with Barenaked for the Holidays loaded in the CD player. When the kids climb into their beds, they will each find a ticket on their pillow to ride the Minivan Express for a tour of holiday lights.

Someday. At these ages (3 and 5), if they stay up late, there's hell to pay. And neither of them will drink hot chocolate. Oh well.

So on Sunday we had an early dinner, bundled up, and headed out to see some Christmas lights. Our boys like to call out "Christmas lights!" every time we pass some on their side of the car. They keep track of points based on how many lights were passed on their side. Their enthusiasm began to wind down after about five minutes...until we came to the first "jackpot. A jackpot is a house with spectacular, unbelievable lights that make you, "Ooh!," and, "Aah!" There were three jackpots on our list:

1. 16 Beauclaire Lane, Fairport, NY - Beaumont Estates, off Turk Hill Road, just north of Route 96 (Neuchatel is the nearest crossroad with Beauclaire). This display is pretty amazing; there is so much to see! Our boys love the helicopter the best. Beauclaire is a circle, so you can drive by the extravaganza, loop around the circle and drive by a second time.

2. Colony Lane, Henrietta, NY - near Lehigh Station Road & Masthead. All of the houses on this circle have created wonderful displays with over 10,000 lights and dozens of inflatables. You may drive around the circle on Colony Lane to view the lights, or park on Cape Cod and walk around to see the lights. Please do not park in the circle. The residents of Colony Lane are collecting non-perishable items for the Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal; please leave your items in the designated bin in the center of the circle. While the lights may be enjoyed any night from 5-10 p.m., all visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 - 8:30 p.m. will have a chance to take a photo with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elmo, and the Grinch.

3. Preston Circle, Pittsford, NY - off Park Ridge, close to Park Road Elementary School and Camp Arrowhead. This "jackpot" was a hidden treasure for us; we didn't hear about it ahead of time and had simply been driving by. There are tons of characters on display here, plus a Christmas countdown, and holiday music.

There are, of course, tons of other holiday-lights hot-spots in the Rochester area. Check out this list for "jackpot" destinations in Gates, Chili, Farmington, Victor, Irondequoit, Pittsford, East Rochester, Ontario, Penfield, Webster, and Walworth. However, we haven't visited those yet so I can't vouch for their jackpot-ness.

Do you know of any other "jackpot" holiday lights displays in the Rochester area? Be sure to Post a Comment and let us know.

Enjoy the holiday lights, and, as always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

The countdown continues to the holly jolly festivities! 'Tis the season to bundle up and celebrate winter. Take the kids for a night drive to see holiday lights, check out some holiday trains, or get your picture taken with LEGO Santa. It's gonna be a fun weekend...


ONGOING

Colony Lane Circle of Lights
Friday, December 7 - Saturday, December 22 from 5-10:00 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Colony Lane Circle of Lights, 239 Colony Lane, Henrietta, NY
Enjoy over 50,000 lights and 30 inflatables! Tune in to 91.9 FM in your car to hear the music for the computerized light show. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. to visit with Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Elmo (bring your camera)! This event is free; visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for a food drive to support Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal. Non-periashable food items, paper items, and pet supplies are needed this year. Please do not park on the circle; parking is permitted in the driveways or on Cape Cod Way.

Yuletide in the Country
Friday, December 7 - Sunday, December 16 from 1:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Enjoy festively decorated homes, reenactments of Yuletides past, joyful songs, merry instrumental music, and more Christmas customs of the 19th Century. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and depart every 15 minutes; tours are $22 per person. A dinner buffet is available from 4-8:30 p.m. for $30 per adult, $16 per child (ages 4-10); children 3 and under are free. Dinner reservations are required: (585) 294-8218.

Christmas Fun
Friday, December 7 - Sunday December 16, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Take a wagon ride into the fields, stroll through the trees and choose just the right one. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and tree baling, a bonfire, live manger scene, straw fort for the kids, and you may even see Santa Claus. The gift shop, indoor restaurant, and restrooms are all open.

Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display
Now through Wednesday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues-Sun and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays and Christmas Day)
George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See more than 60 cleverly designed gingerbread houses from professional bakers, families, and community groups. Included with museum admission: adults, $12; children 12 and under are free.

A T. Rex Named Sue
Daily through January 6, 2013; Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. Rex! Touch casts of Sue's bones, complete a 3-D puzzle with bones, move models of Sue's jaws, and more. Included with general admission.

Dora & Diego: Let's Explore
Daily through January 6, 2013: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.
Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
This fun, interactive exhibit includes a pirate ship, animal rescue center, rainforest maze, flower garden, rocket ship, car, and Purple Planet slide.

FRIDAY


Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 7 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Have your picture taken with Santa, plus enjoy fun activities for the kids including crafts, cookie decorating, and games.


Game Night
Friday, December 7 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through December 21, 2012)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Family Night
Friday, December 7 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), make a holiday craft in the Lobby at 5:30 p.m., enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), roller skate in the Gym from 6-8 p.m. ($4/person for skate rental), and swim in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, December 7 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY

Pittsford CAN Day
Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY
Support arts in education by participating in Pittsford's CAN Day. Drop off your 5-cent cans and bottles and get your picture taken with LEGO Santa. LEGO Batman and LEGO Robin will also be there.

Edgerton Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 8 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Recreation Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Visit four historic model railroad layouts depicting the Rochester area during each of the four seasons. Be on the lookout for the Polar Express train and Thomas the Tank Engine & his friends. Plus be sure to press the operating buttons along the edge of the layout (fun for young visitors). Parking and admission are free, but donations are welcome.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Dino Days
Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 from 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore three geologic periods of the Mesozoic Era with programs designed for younger children. Check out A T. rex Named Sue, and make paper dinosaurs and fossil rubbings to take home.


Holiday Family Fun
Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 9 (weekends only, continues through December 23)
The Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY
Enjoy an indoor winter carnival in the greenhouse! The model train display opens at 10 a.m. along with the Hilton Sno-Flyers Snow Show. Rides, crafts, games, and the light show will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and photos with Santa will be available from 12 - 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes the model trains; rides are $0.50-1.50 each, crafts are $1-2.50, games are $2.50, and the light show is $2 per person (ages 3 and under are free for the light show). While the activities are indoors, it is still chilly in the greenhouse - coats and hats are a good idea.

Holly Trolley Rides
Weekends only; Saturday, December 8 - Sunday, December 16 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, Rochester, NY
Catch the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned trolley ride. Plus, visit the train cars, model trains, and antique car and trucks inside the museum. Admission plus trolley ride is $5 per adult and $4 per child under 12; children under 3 are free.

I hope you find some fun things to do this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.

Family Fun This Weekend

Ah, the holiday season is upon us. Shopping lines are ridiculously long...you want to make a dozen types of cookies because they all look so good on Pinterest...the pressure is on because your neighbors already have their lights up... On the other hand, driving at night is sort of magical as you pass by glimmering lights...you get a warm and fuzzy feeling each time you drop some change into a Salvation Army bucket or (better yet) a new toy in a Toys for Tots box...there are holiday festivities going on all over the Rochester area to keep the little ones entertained... So pick your favorites and get out for some holiday fun this weekend.


ONGOING

Colony Lane Circle of Lights
Friday, November 30 - Saturday, December 22 from 5-10:00 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Colony Lane Circle of Lights, 239 Colony Lane, Henrietta, NY
Enjoy over 50,000 lights and 30 inflatables! Tune in to 91.9 FM in your car to hear the music for the computerized light show. Visit on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. to visit with Santa Claus, The Grinch, and Elmo (bring your camera)! This event is free; visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable goods for a food drive to support Rush-Henrietta Area Food Terminal. Non-periashable food items, paper items, and pet supplies are needed this year. Please do not park on the circle; parking is permitted in the driveways or on Cape Cod Way.

Yuletide in the Country
Friday, November 30 - Sunday, December 16 from 1:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Genesee Country Village & Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Road, Mumford, NY
Enjoy festively decorated homes, reenactments of Yuletides past, joyful songs, merry instrumental music, and more Christmas customs of the 19th Century. Tours last approximately 1 1/2 hours and depart every 15 minutes; tours are $22 per person. A dinner buffet is available from 4-8:30 p.m. for $30 per adult, $16 per child (ages 4-10); children 3 and under are free. Dinner reservations are required: (585) 294-8218.

Christmas Fun
Friday, November 30 - Sunday December 16, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays only)
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Take a wagon ride into the fields, stroll through the trees and choose just the right one. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and tree baling, a bonfire, live manger scene, straw fort for the kids, and you may even see Santa Claus. The gift shop, indoor restaurant, and restrooms are all open.

Sweet Creations Gingerbread House Display
Now through Wednesday, December 12 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues-Sun and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays and Christmas Day)
George Eastman House, 900 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See more than 60 cleverly designed gingerbread houses from professional bakers, families, and community groups. Included with museum admission: adults, $12; children 12 and under are free.

A T. Rex Named Sue
Daily through January 6, 2013; Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
See the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. Rex! Touch casts of Sue's bones, complete a 3-D puzzle with bones, move models of Sue's jaws, and more. Included with general admission.

Dora & Diego: Let's Explore
Daily through January 6, 2013: Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sun 12 - 5 p.m.
Strong National Museum of Play, 1 Manhattan Square, Rochester, NY
This fun, interactive exhibit includes a pirate ship, animal rescue center, rainforest maze, flower garden, rocket ship, car, and Purple Planet slide.

FRIDAY

Meet Clifford
Friday, November 30 at 5 p.m.
Kango Play Center, 1565 Jefferson Road #180, Rochester, NY
Meet the Big Red Dog. Admission is $11 per child and includes a visit and autograph with Clifford, 200 game points, 1 slice of pizza, and 1 small fountain drink.

Game Night
Friday, November 30 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (repeats on Fridays through December 21, 2012)
ArtsROC, 3462 Monroe Avenue, Pittsford, NY
Kids ages 5-12 can enjoy movies, Wii, Xbox, Minecraft, tons of LEGOs, and a pizza party for $25 at ArtsROC. Call (585) 218-9125 or email info@artsroc.net for more information. Or click here to register.

Family Night
Friday, November 30 from 4:30 - 10:00 p.m.
YMCA- Southeast, 111 East Jefferson Road, Pittsford, NY
The Adventure Center is open from 4:30-9 p.m. (remember your socks!), make a craft in the Lobby at 5:30 p.m., enjoy pizza in the Lobby at 5:45 p.m until it runs out ($1/slice), play in the Gym from 6-8 p.m., and play with inflatables in the pool from 7-10 p.m. Open to the community.

Fun Fridays
Friday, November 30 from 6 - 8 p.m.
YMCA-Westside, 920 Elmgrove Road, Rochester, NY
Family gym games, inflatables, obstacle course, crafts, and family swimming. There is no fee for members; $10 per family for the community.

SATURDAY

Breakfast with Santa (to Support Military Personnel)
Saturday, December 1 at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
Stokoe Farms, 656 South Road, Scottsville, NY
Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Don't forget your camera. Breakfast is $10 per person, with a portion of proceeds going to support our military.

Pictures with Santa
Saturday, December 1 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The Apple Shed, 3391 Fairville Maple Ridge Road, Newark, NY
Have your picture taken with Santa, plus enjoy fun activities for the kids including crafts, cookie decorating, and games.

Edgerton Model Railroad Club Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Edgerton Recreation Center, 41 Backus Street, Rochester, NY
Visit four historic model railroad layouts depicting the Rochester area during each of the four seasons. Be on the lookout for the Polar Express train and Thomas the Tank Engine & his friends. Plus be sure to press the operating buttons along the edge of the layout (fun for young visitors). Parking and admission are free, but donations are welcome.

Liberty Pole Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 1 at 4:30 p.m.
The Liberty Pole, at the corner of East Main Street and Franklin Street in downtown Rochester, NY
Join Santa, Rudolph, Frosty, and other pals for some holiday songs by the Liberty Pole at 4:30 o.m. At 5 p.m., Mayor Richards will light the Liberty Pole. Then join the family parade to Manhattan Square Park for fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy a free open skate and family-friendly DJ from 5:30 -8:30 p.m. (Limited skate rentals available for $3) There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides around the park. At the end of the night, take the old-time trolley back to area parking garages.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY 

Dino Days
Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 2 from 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY
Explore three geologic periods of the Mesozoic Era with programs designed for younger children. Check out A T. rex Named Sue, and make paper dinosaurs and fossil rubbings to take home.


Holiday Family Fun
Saturday, November 30 - Sunday, December 1 (weekends only, continues through December 23)
The Garden Factory, 2126 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY
Enjoy an indoor winter carnival in the greenhouse! The model train display opens at 10 a.m. along with the Hilton Sno-Flyers Snow Show. Rides, crafts, games, and the light show will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and photos with Santa will be available from 12 - 4 p.m. Admission is free and includes the model trains; rides are $0.50-1.50 each, crafts are $1-2.50, games are $2.50, and the light show is $2 per person (ages 3 and under are free for the light show). While the activities are indoors, it is still chilly in the greenhouse - coats and hats are a good idea.

Holly Trolley Rides
Weekends only; Saturday, December 1 - Sunday, December 16 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, Rochester, NY
Catch the holiday spirit with an old-fashioned trolley ride. Plus, visit the train cars, model trains, and antique car and trucks inside the museum. Admission plus trolley ride is $5 per adult and $4 per child under 12; children under 3 are free.

I hope you find some fun things to do this weekend! As always, thanks for reading.